DEPUTY Prime Minister Joan Burton said she hoped for a successful outcome to last-ditch negotiations after five of Brooks' performances were cancelled due to problems obtaining permission from local authorities.

THE Irish Government has said a dispute which forced the cancellation of country music superstar Garth Brooks' comeback special in Ireland should be resolved.

Deputy prime minister Joan Burton said she wanted a successful outcome to last-ditch negotiations after five performances in Dublin were called off due to problems obtaining permission from local authorities.

The US singer has said his "heart is breaking" after the sold-out extravaganza with 400,000 ticket holders was cancelled.

Ms Burton said: "Events and facts have come to light which were not in the public domain, perhaps, at the time.

"By discussions between the parties, it may be possible to achieve a resolution and I hope it will be achieved."

Brooks pulled out after being granted permission for just three out of five planned gigs at Croke Park.

It followed concerns from some residents about the impact of five concerts on the inner city area.

The top selling US singer, who turned his back on touring to raise his family in Oklahoma 13 years ago, had issued an all-or-nothing ultimatum last week, saying he would play the five nights or none at all.

The star said to choose one show over another "would be like asking to choose one child over another".

City chiefs, concert promoters and stadium owners have been summoned before a parliamentary watchdog to account for the fiasco which is estimated will cost the country's recovering economy more than 50 million euro.

A meeting is expected later today between Dublin Lord Mayor Christy Burke and Owen Keegan, the chief executive of the council to discuss the matter. Brooks is due to address a press conference in the US later.

A court injunction sought from the High Court to try to block the concerts has been struck out after the cancellation was announced and arrangements made to refund ticket holders.

Ms Burton said the Government was prepared to assist the negotiations and suggested Brooks could be invited to end a mooted world tour in Dublin in coming years.

She told the Dublin parliament the Dail: "If you want a successful outcome, as opposed to a heated debate, I would put my confidence in the negotiations and talking and speaking ability of the parties that are affected. I want to see a successful outcome, the Government would like to see a successful outcome."

She said the critical issue was that 400,000 people had bought tickets.

"I want the issue resolved, it is a significant economic boost to the economy."